Who Is Laz Alonso?

Lazaro "Laz" Alonso is a Cuban-American actor who has built one of the most diverse careers in modern Hollywood. He is best known for playing the fierce Na'vi warrior Tsu'tey in James Cameron's record-breaking film Avatar (2009) and its sequels. He also gained widespread recognition as Fenix Calderon in Fast & Furious (2009) and as the loyal, no-nonsense Marvin T. "MM" Milk in the hit superhero series The Boys.

What makes Alonso's journey unusual is that he did not start in entertainment. He spent years as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch on Wall Street before pivoting to acting. This background gives him a unique perspective on the industry, often describing his acting career as a second act driven by passion rather than financial necessity.

Alonso's filmography spans multiple genres, from war dramas like Jarhead to family comedies like This Christmas and intense thrillers like Detroit. His ability to move between blockbuster spectacles and grounded character pieces has made him a reliable and respected presence on screen.

Beyond his acting, Alonso is known for his advocacy for greater representation of Afro-Latino stories in media. He has spoken openly about the importance of authentic portrayals and has used his platform to highlight issues affecting the Cuban-American and broader Latino communities.

Key Facts

Born Lazaro Alonso on March 25, 1974, in Washington, D.C., to Afro-Cuban immigrant parents.
Graduated from St. John's College High School and later earned a BBA in marketing from Howard University.
Worked as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch before becoming an actor.
Played Tsu'tey in Avatar (2009), one of the highest-grossing films of all time.
Portrayed the main antagonist Fenix Calderon in Fast & Furious (2009).
Starred as Marvin T. "MM" Milk in The Boys from 2019 to 2026.
Appeared in music videos for Toni Braxton and Aaliyah early in his career.
Led the NBC drama Deception (2013) and starred in The Mysteries of Laura.
Voiced the lead role of Terry/Sabo Brok in the animated series My Dad the Bounty Hunter (2023).
Reprised his role as Tsu'tey in a cameo for Avatar: Fire and Ash (2025).

Early Life and Background

Lazaro Alonso was born and raised in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood of Washington, D.C. His parents were Afro-Cuban immigrants who left Cuba in search of better opportunities. Growing up in a culturally rich but economically modest household, Alonso learned early the value of hard work and education, values his parents instilled in him and his siblings.

He attended St. John's College High School, a Catholic military school in D.C., where he developed discipline and leadership skills. His high school experience was formative, teaching him structure that would later serve him well in both finance and acting. He was an active student who balanced academics with athletics and social life.

After high school, Alonso enrolled at Howard University, one of the nation's most prestigious historically Black universities. At Howard, he majored in marketing and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration. The university environment exposed him to a vibrant community of Black intellectuals, artists, and future leaders, shaping his worldview and identity as an Afro-Latino man.

His Cuban heritage played a significant role in his upbringing. Alonso grew up speaking Spanish at home and remained fluent throughout his life. He has often discussed the complexity of being both Black and Latino in America, navigating two identities that are sometimes seen as separate. This dual heritage became a cornerstone of his public identity and advocacy work.

From Wall Street to Hollywood

After graduating from Howard University, Alonso took a conventional path for a bright business graduate. He landed a position as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch on Wall Street. In this high-pressure environment, he managed portfolios and advised clients, gaining financial expertise that most actors never possess. He was successful, but something felt missing.

Alonso has described his Wall Street years as financially rewarding but creatively unfulfilling. He felt a pull toward the arts, a passion he had harbored since childhood. Eventually, he made the bold decision to leave the security of finance and pursue acting full-time, a move that surprised colleagues and family alike.

His transition was not instant. Alonso started by hosting television shows like A.M. @BET and NYLA on Black Entertainment Television. These hosting gigs gave him on-camera experience and industry connections. He also appeared in music videos for R&B stars Toni Braxton and Aaliyah, building his resume in the entertainment world.

Alonso's early acting roles were modest but steady. He landed parts in films like Leprechaun: Back 2 tha Hood and G, as well as guest spots on television series including The Practice, CSI: Miami, and NCIS. These smaller roles allowed him to hone his craft while waiting for his big break.

Career and Major Works

Breakthrough Roles in 2009

The year 2009 proved to be a turning point for Alonso. He appeared in two major studio films that would define his career trajectory. The first was Fast & Furious, the fourth installment in the blockbuster franchise, where he played Fenix Calderon, a ruthless drug cartel enforcer and the film's main antagonist. His physical presence and intensity made him a memorable villain opposite Vin Diesel and Paul Walker.

That same year, Alonso took on the role that would make him internationally famous. Director James Cameron cast him as Tsu'tey, the proud and skilled Na'vi warrior who serves as the right hand to the clan leader in Avatar. The film required Alonso to undergo extensive motion-capture performance, a relatively new technology at the time. His portrayal of Tsu'tey, who initially distrusts humans but eventually fights alongside Jake Sully, earned critical praise.

Avatar became the highest-grossing film in history at the time of its release, cementing Alonso's place in cinematic history. The role also connected him to a franchise that would continue for over a decade, with sequels filmed in New Zealand and released throughout the 2020s.

Television Leading Roles

Following his film success, Alonso transitioned to television, where he found consistent work as a leading man. In 2011, he joined the cast of Breakout Kings, an A&E crime drama about fugitive hunters. He played Charlie Duchamp, a U.S. Marshal leading a team of convicts who help track down escaped prisoners. His character anchored the show's first season and part of its second.

In 2013, Alonso landed the lead role in Deception, an NBC drama about a detective who goes undercover in a wealthy family's world. The show was ambitious but short-lived, lasting only one season. Despite its cancellation, the role demonstrated Alonso's ability to carry a network series as the primary protagonist.

From 2016 to 2019, Alonso starred as Detective Billy Soto in The Mysteries of Laura, a lighthearted procedural comedy-drama starring Debra Messing. His character served as a supportive partner and foil to Messing's titular detective. The show ran for two seasons on NBC, giving Alonso steady network exposure.

The Boys and Streaming Success

In 2019, Alonso joined the cast of The Boys, Amazon Prime Video's darkly satirical superhero series based on the comic by Garth Ennis. He played Marvin T. Milk, known as "MM" or "Mother's Milk," a founding member of the vigilante group that fights corrupt superheroes. MM serves as the team's moral compass and strategist, bringing a grounded humanity to the chaotic show.

The role became Alonso's most prominent television work. The Boys grew into a massive cultural phenomenon, earning critical acclaim and multiple award nominations. Alonso's performance evolved across the show's five seasons, with his character's backstory involving family tragedy and personal redemption explored in depth. He remained with the series through its conclusion in 2026.

In 2023, Alonso lent his voice to My Dad the Bounty Hunter, an animated Netflix series. He played Terry, a suburban dad who secretly works as an intergalactic bounty hunter named Sabo Brok. The dual role showcased his range in voice acting and family-friendly content.

Return to Pandora

Alonso briefly reprised his iconic role as Tsu'tey in Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third film in Cameron's saga, released in 2025. Although Tsu'tey died in the first film, the sequel found creative ways to include the character, likely through flashbacks or spiritual sequences. The cameo delighted fans who had waited over a decade to see Alonso return to the role.

His return to Pandora highlighted the enduring legacy of his original performance. Tsu'tey remains one of the most beloved Na'vi characters in the franchise, and Alonso's portrayal is frequently cited as a highlight of the first film. The actor has expressed deep gratitude for being part of such an influential project.

Personal Life and Advocacy

Alonso resides in Los Angeles, California, where he has lived for most of his acting career. He is a practicing Christian and has spoken about how his faith grounds him in an industry often associated with excess. He maintains close ties to his family and credits his parents' sacrifices for his success.

As an Afro-Latino actor, Alonso has been vocal about representation in Hollywood. He has discussed the challenges of being typecast and the importance of creating more roles for actors of Caribbean and African descent. He frequently participates in panels and interviews about diversity in entertainment, using his platform to advocate for systemic change.

Alonso is also known for his philanthropic efforts. He has supported organizations focused on education and youth development, particularly in underserved communities. His own journey from a working-class immigrant family to Wall Street and then Hollywood serves as an inspiration to young people pursuing unconventional dreams.

Despite his success in blockbuster films, Alonso remains approachable and grounded. Colleagues describe him as professional, prepared, and generous on set. His unique career path — from finance to acting — gives him a perspective that few in Hollywood share, and he often jokes that his business background helps him understand the industry's economics better than most actors.

Legacy and Impact

Laz Alonso's career represents a remarkable journey of reinvention. He proved that it is never too late to change paths and pursue one's true calling. His success in both film and television demonstrates versatility that few actors achieve, moving seamlessly between massive franchises and intimate character dramas.

His role as Tsu'tey in Avatar holds particular significance. At a time when major studio films rarely featured actors of African descent in prominent sci-fi roles, Alonso's performance broke barriers. He brought dignity and complexity to a character that could have been a simple archetype, and his work helped pave the way for more diverse casting in genre films.

With The Boys, Alonso found a role that resonated deeply with audiences. MM's journey from trauma to leadership mirrored real-world conversations about mental health, family, and justice. The show's massive popularity introduced Alonso to a new generation of fans who may not have seen his earlier work.

As Hollywood continues to grapple with questions of representation, Alonso's career serves as both a model and a challenge. He has shown that Afro-Latino actors can succeed in leading roles across genres, and he continues to push for more inclusive storytelling. His legacy is still being written, but his impact on the industry is already undeniable.

Laz Alonso: From Wall Street to Pandora and The Boys